What to do if your cat has ringworm?

If your cat has ringworm, it is recommended to take it to the vet for a confirmed diagnosis and then treat it with fungicidal medicine under the guidance of a pet doctor. Ringworm in cats can easily cause systemic infections and even spread to humans. Once infected, skin lesions the size of coins may appear on the human's body, and itching may occur. Therefore, it is advised to start treatment promptly.

Causes of ringworm in cats

Ringworm is a common skin disease in cats. Cats living in damp and hot environments, with poor physical condition, or young kittens with low immunity are prone to contracting ringworm. In addition, cross-infection between animals can also occur. The typical symptoms of ringworm include hair loss, circular scales, and dry round spots on the affected skin. Some lesions may have partially retained hair roots, while others may be completely bald. Ringworm is highly contagious and should be treated with frequent bathing or the purchase of appropriate medication for bathing during the illness.

Symptoms of ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is circular bald patches with crusts. Using a Wood's lamp to irradiate the affected area will reveal a distinct fluorescent apple green.
Ringworm is mainly caused by fungal infection, and the treatment course is relatively long. Generally, oral medication and baths are combined for faster results. It is best not to use spray long-term on the affected area, as it can cause damage to the hair follicles and ultimately lead to hair loss.

How to treat ringworm in cats

Ringworm is caused by fungal infection. The main treatment is anti-fungal.

It is recommended to take oral anti-fungal medication, but do not shave the hair. Damaging the hair follicles may lead to permanent hair loss and the formation of melanin. The dosage of oral medication is generally based on the cat's weight.
Combine baths or spray medication. Baths are ideal as they can act on the whole body and prevent the spread of ringworm to unaffected areas.